How to Grow a Garden
This is a beautifully illustrated guide to gardens and their plants. A broad interpretation of ‘garden’ is provided in the book, which is demonstrated through the wide variety depicted, such as an alpine garden, an ancient woodland, soil, and native hedges, to name but a few. The book is divided into seven separate sections under different headings, for example, ‘Trees’, ‘Water’, and ‘Exotic Plants’.
Two unnamed characters lead the reader through many different types of garden, which are depicted in gorgeous, detailed, double-page spreads. The colour used captures the vividness and variety of the gardens featured in the book. The illustrations also present an accurate depiction of the plants in each scene, many of which are labelled. This allows the reader to become familiar with these and to aid them in identifying the plants in real life.
In addition, the book contains pages with guidance for the reader about what they can do in particular seasons to engage with plants. How to make nettle soup, collecting seeds for planting, and how to build a simple pond are just some of the suggestions provided. There is also a useful glossary at the back.
The care taken in producing this lovely book reflects the attitude the book imparts to its readers about plants and gardens. It encourages its readers’ understanding and wonder of the natural world around them, where ‘there really is a plant for every place’.
